Boston Councilor Questioned for Conduct Inside Polling Place

Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata is under scrutiny following an incident at a polling location where she interacted with a voter, potentially violating Massachusetts state law that prohibits political activities within 150 feet of voting sites. The encounter, captured on police body camera footage, occurred during early voting hours for the preliminary election on September 30, 2025.

The footage shows Coletta Zapata engaged in a discussion with a voter inside an East Boston polling place. A Boston police officer intervened, asking her to leave the area due to the established regulations. According to the Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office, the 150-foot rule aims to maintain a neutral voting environment and applies to both Election Day and early voting periods.

In the video, Coletta Zapata can be heard asserting, “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning.” The officer replied, “You cannot have it within the voting area,” reiterating the need for compliance with election laws. Despite her defense, Coletta Zapata ultimately left the polling location after the exchange.

The timing of this incident is notable, as Coletta Zapata recently claimed to have secured the necessary votes to become the next City Council president, a position she would assume in January. She currently chairs the Government Operations Committee, which plays a crucial role in legislative processes within the council.

In a statement to the media, Coletta Zapata characterized the interaction with the police officer as a “misunderstanding.” She emphasized that her conversation was focused on policy rather than campaigning. Additionally, she shared an image of herself with the officer involved, Christian Cuascet Hernandez, taken shortly after the incident.

While Coletta Zapata denied that her presence was politically motivated, legal experts have raised concerns over the implications of her actions. Harvey Silverglate, a constitutional attorney, suggested that her presence inside the polling location likely constitutes a violation of state law. He noted that while her defense is plausible, it may not hold up if a complaint is filed or an investigation ensues.

According to Debra O’Malley, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, there have been no formal complaints regarding Coletta Zapata’s actions at the polling site. It remains unclear whether the released video will prompt any further investigation.

The councilor’s conduct has drawn mixed responses from her colleagues. Councilor Ed Flynn addressed the situation but refrained from commenting on the legal ramifications, stating, “As elected officials, we must treat our first responders, police officers, and city employees with respect.”

Should Coletta Zapata be officially elected as Council president, she would assume a significant role in the city government, standing as the second-highest ranking official behind Mayor Michelle Wu, and would take on the responsibilities of acting mayor during Wu’s absence. The unfolding developments surrounding this incident will likely influence the political landscape in Boston as the council prepares for its upcoming session.