Boston Councilor Caught Politicking at Polling Place, Violating Law

UPDATE: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata has come under fire after being caught on police body cam footage interacting with a voter inside a polling place, raising serious legal questions about her conduct during early voting for the September 2025 election. This incident highlights potential violations of Massachusetts election laws that prohibit political activity near polling locations.

The footage, released by the Boston Police Department following a public records request, shows Coletta Zapata, who claims to have secured the presidency of the council, arguing with a police officer inside an East Boston polling site. The officer requested her to leave, emphasizing the law that prohibits any campaign-related interactions within 150 feet of a voting area during voting hours.

According to Massachusetts election law, activities such as campaigning and signature-gathering are strictly forbidden near polling places. The 150-foot rule is enforced by the presiding officer, as stated by Bill Galvin, the Secretary of State overseeing elections in the state.

The incident occurred on August 30, during which Coletta Zapata was seen engaged in a tense exchange with an officer identified as Christian Cuascet Hernandez. In the video, she insists that her conversation with the voter was not campaign-related, stating, “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning.” The police officer counters, “You cannot have it within the voting area.”

The fallout from this incident is significant, especially as Coletta Zapata faces a contested reelection bid. Legal experts are weighing in, with constitutional attorney Harvey Silverglate suggesting that her presence likely violates state law. “I think it’s likely a violation,” Silverglate told the Herald. “If there were a complaint filed, she would probably face consequences.”

In a response to the incident, Coletta Zapata claimed it was a misunderstanding and reiterated that she was not engaged in political activities at the time. “I was speaking with a constituent after dropping off pizzas,” she stated, adding that she respects the police and moved along when asked.

As of now, the Secretary of State’s office has not received any formal complaints regarding her actions, and it remains unclear whether the video will trigger an investigation. The implications could be severe for Coletta Zapata, particularly as she seeks to become the second-highest ranking official in Boston if elected council president in January.

As this story develops, it raises critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the responsibilities of public officials during voting periods. Observers are closely watching for any official responses or actions from the state regarding this incident.

Councilor Ed Flynn commented on the situation, stating that elected officials must treat law enforcement and city employees with respect, although he refrained from discussing any legal violations.

The situation underscores the importance of adhering to election laws designed to maintain fair and transparent voting practices. As Boston prepares for the upcoming elections, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny public officials face during campaign periods.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story.