UPDATE: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata faces serious allegations after being caught on police body camera footage interacting with a voter inside a polling place, potentially violating Massachusetts election laws. The incident occurred on August 30, 2025, during early voting hours for the September preliminary elections, raising urgent questions about her conduct as a public official.
The video, released by the Boston Police Department following a public records request, shows Coletta Zapata in a heated exchange with a police officer who was instructing her to leave the polling location in East Boston. Under Massachusetts law, political campaigning is strictly prohibited within 150 feet of voting sites during election hours, a rule established by Secretary of State Bill Galvin‘s office.
In the footage, Coletta Zapata argues that she is merely discussing policy with a voter, stating, “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning.” The officer responds firmly, “You cannot have it within the voting area.” The tension escalates as she insists her presence is not politically motivated, claiming she was simply speaking to a constituent after delivering pizzas.
Legal experts are now weighing in on the implications of this incident. Prominent civil liberties attorney Harvey Silverglate stated, “It’s likely a violation. I think it will fail if there’s a complaint filed.” He emphasizes that the nature of her presence could be seen as compromising the integrity of the election process.
Despite her claims, Coletta Zapata’s actions have sparked immediate backlash. She is currently vying for the City Council presidency, having recently claimed to secure the necessary votes to assume the position in January. As the chair of the powerful Government Operations Committee, her role is critical in shaping city legislation.
In a statement to the Herald, Coletta Zapata described the situation as a “misunderstanding” and reiterated that her conversation was not campaign-related. “I respect our members of the BPD and moved along,” she added.
The incident has not only put her political career at stake but has also raised concerns about the enforcement of election laws in Massachusetts. While no formal complaints have been filed regarding her actions, the potential for an investigation looms large. A representative from the secretary of state’s office confirmed they have not received any complaints yet.
The ramifications of this event are profound. If Coletta Zapata is confirmed as City Council president, she would serve as the second-highest-ranking official in Boston, directly under Mayor Michelle Wu. This raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of elected officials and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the Boston City Council and the potential fallout from this incident. What happens next could change the dynamics of local governance significantly. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
