UPDATE: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata is under scrutiny after being caught on police body camera interacting with a voter inside a polling place, a possible violation of Massachusetts state law. The incident, which occurred during early voting for the September preliminary election, has raised questions about her conduct and compliance with election laws.
The alarming footage, released by the Boston Police Department on November 3, 2025, shows Coletta Zapata engaged in a tense exchange with a police officer at a polling location in East Boston. She was reportedly seen arguing her case while a Boston police officer asked her to leave the premises. The incident unfolded amid her claim of securing seven votes to become City Council president.
Under Massachusetts law, electioneering and campaigning are strictly prohibited within 150 feet of a polling place, both on Election Day and during early voting hours. The law aims to ensure a fair voting process free from political influence.
“You cannot have it within the voting area,”
the officer stated in the video, emphasizing the need to uphold the law.
In the video, Coletta Zapata, 33, attempts to justify her presence, insisting she was simply discussing policy, not campaigning. “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning,” she asserts, before eventually leaving the polling location. Her claim comes as she faced a contested bid for reelection, having recently defeated challenger Andretti Stanziani.
In response to the controversy, Coletta Zapata described the interaction as a “misunderstanding,” asserting that she was merely engaging in conversation after delivering pizzas to the site. She expressed respect for the police and later shared a photo with Officer Christian Cuascet Hernandez, who was involved in the incident.
Legal experts are weighing in, with attorney Harvey Silverglate suggesting Coletta Zapata’s actions likely constituted a violation of state law. “It’s not certain, but it’s likely,” he commented, indicating that if a complaint is filed or an investigation is initiated, she could face penalties.
As of now, the secretary of state’s office has not received any formal complaints regarding Coletta Zapata’s presence at the polling site, and it remains unclear if the released footage will trigger further investigation.
Councilor Ed Flynn commented on the incident, highlighting the importance of mutual respect between elected officials and police officers, without directly addressing the legal implications of Coletta Zapata’s actions.
As the situation develops, Coletta Zapata’s future as a candidate for City Council president hangs in the balance. If elected, she would assume the role of the second-highest ranking official in city government, stepping in as acting mayor in the absence of Mayor Michelle Wu.
This emerging story has significant implications for Boston’s political landscape and the integrity of its electoral process. As investigations may follow, voters and constituents will be watching closely for updates on this urgent matter.
