UPDATE: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata is under scrutiny after being caught on police body cam footage interacting with a voter inside a polling place, potentially violating Massachusetts law that prohibits political activity during voting hours. The incident occurred on August 30 at an early voting site in East Boston, just days before the September preliminary election.
The video, released by the Boston Police Department following a public records request, shows Coletta Zapata engaged in a tense exchange with a Boston police officer who asked her to leave the polling location. As early voting is underway, her presence raises serious questions about compliance with the law. Massachusetts regulations clearly state that electioneering and campaigning are prohibited within 150 feet of a voting location during voting hours.
In the footage, Coletta Zapata, who claims to have secured the necessary votes to become City Council president, argues that she is merely discussing policy with a constituent. “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning,” she insists to the officer. The officer responds, “You cannot have it within the voting area. Alright? I do have the paperwork and you can read it.”
Coletta Zapata, 33, was seen appearing frustrated, asking the officer, “How many years have you worked in the Boston Police force?” The officer replied he had been on the force for seven years. She ultimately left the polling place, stating, “Alright, well we’ll finish this conversation later.”
This incident unfolds amid Coletta Zapata’s contested reelection bid. She was first elected to the Council in May 2022 and secured her seat again earlier this month against challenger Andretti Stanziani. Just days after the video surfaced, she reaffirmed her claim to the council presidency, a position that would place her as the second-highest ranking official in city government.
In a statement to the Herald, Coletta Zapata described the interaction with police as a “misunderstanding.” She emphasized she was not engaged in any political activity, merely speaking with a voter after dropping off pizzas. “I respect our members of the BPD and moved along,” she added.
Legal experts are weighing in on the situation. Harvey Silverglate, a constitutional and civil liberties attorney, stated that her presence likely constitutes a violation of state law. “It’s not certain, but it’s likely,” he noted, adding that if the state opts to investigate, Coletta Zapata could face penalties.
There have been no formal complaints filed regarding her actions at the polling site, according to a spokesperson for Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office. The officer involved, identified as Christian Cuascet Hernandez, was later depicted in a photo with Coletta Zapata at a community event, suggesting a reconciliatory tone following the incident.
As the political landscape in Boston heats up, eyes remain on Coletta Zapata and her potential rise to City Council president come January. Fellow councilors Brian Worrell and Julia Mejia, who are also vying for the presidency, have not commented on the incident.
With the implications of this incident reverberating in the community, the question remains: What will be the fallout for Coletta Zapata as she navigates the legal and political ramifications of her actions? As the September election approaches, this developing story is sure to captivate Boston voters and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
