Boston, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Boston’s City Council is grappling with a corruption scandal that has led to a vacant council seat and new election procedures. Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson admitted to involvement in a kickback scheme and is retiring ahead of sentencing. The upcoming preliminary elections on September 9, 2023, will determine candidates advancing to the general election on November 4, 2023. With 10 candidates competing for at-large positions and 11 for the contested District 7 seat, voter turnout and candidate integrity will play crucial roles in these elections.
Boston
Boston’s City Council is under heightened scrutiny as a recent corruption scandal has left a council seat vacant and prompted new election procedures ahead of the November vote. Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has acknowledged involvement in a kickback scheme from 2023, is retiring early, and faces an upcoming sentencing, creating an open contest for the District 7 seat. Preliminary elections are set for September 9, 2023, with the general election scheduled for November 4, 2023.
Key facts and what voters need to know
The preliminary election will determine which candidates move on to the general election. There are 10 candidates running for at-large City Council positions competing for 8 available spots in the general election. The most closely watched contest is the District 7 race to replace the departing councilor, where 11 candidates are vying for 2 spots in the general election.
Early voting for the preliminary contest will be available from August 30 to September 5, 2023, excluding Labor Day. Voters who participate early or on Sept. 9 will select who advances to the Nov. 4 general election, when city leaders for the next term will be chosen.
Election administration changes
In response to past problems that included insufficient ballots and communication failures, the state ordered reforms to the Boston Elections Department. To improve election-day efficiency and reduce the risk of shortages and delays, election officials plan to:
- Deploy electronic Poll Pads for voter check-in across all 275 precincts.
- Provide a dedicated support line for poll workers to handle day-of issues.
- Distribute ballots up to 110% of registered voters to prevent shortages.
Election dynamics and voter considerations
Turnout for preliminary municipal elections in Boston is historically low, especially when there is no marquee mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to advance to the general election alongside challenger Josh Kraft, which may mean less attention on council prelims. Low turnout can have a significant impact on results: when races are crowded, the vote splits more ways and candidates can reach advancement thresholds with fewer votes.
Campaign fundraising varies across races, and several candidates have reported substantial fundraising activity. Higher fundraising can increase visibility, but money is only one factor in crowded contests where community engagement and turnout matter most.
Integrity, independence and representation
An editorial commentary from a local editorial board has urged voters to weigh candidates’ integrity and independence. Voters are encouraged to consider whether they would trust a candidate with public finances because city councilors influence budget decisions and tax-dollar allocation. Independence from the mayor’s office was highlighted as a desirable quality so councilors can represent constituents’ interests rather than serve as extensions of the mayor’s agenda.
The commentary also emphasized the need for diversity and inclusion among candidates and warned against those who might inflame community divisions. It called for candidates with personal integrity to reduce the likelihood of future governance scandals.
What this means for voters and communities
With multiple contested races, neighborhood engagement will be crucial. Voters living in competitive districts should actively participate in community forums, review campaign materials, and make sure preferred candidates gain enough local support to move past the preliminary round. Given the low historical turnout for preliminaries, even small increases in voter participation can change who advances to November.
Background
The 2023 election cycle follows public concerns about prior election management and council-level misconduct. State-level oversight led to concrete operational changes intended to prevent the logistical problems of the past and reduce the chance of administrative failures on election day. The vacancy in District 7, created by the early departure of a sitting councilor facing legal consequences, has intensified attention on council races this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the preliminary and general elections?
The preliminary election is on September 9, 2023, and the general election is on November 4, 2023. Early voting for the preliminary runs from August 30 to September 5, 2023, excluding Labor Day.
How many seats and candidates are involved?
There are 10 candidates competing for 8 at-large City Council spots in the general election. The District 7 race to replace the departing councilor includes 11 candidates competing for 2 spots in the general election.
What election administration changes have been made?
The elections department will use electronic Poll Pads across all precincts, provide a dedicated support line for poll workers, and print ballots to cover 110% of registered voters to avoid shortages.
Why is candidate integrity being emphasized?
Recent misconduct at the council level and previous administrative problems have led local commentators to stress the need for ethical leadership. Voters are being urged to consider candidates’ integrity and fiscal responsibility because councilors help decide budget and tax allocation.
Does low turnout affect the results?
Yes. Preliminary election turnout is often low, and in crowded races this can allow candidates to advance with relatively small vote totals. Higher turnout can significantly change the outcome in competitive districts.
How can voters evaluate candidates?
Voters should review candidate platforms, funding disclosures, past public service, and community engagement. Considering independence from the mayor’s office and commitments to inclusion and fiscal responsibility can help guide choices.
Quick reference: election details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary election date | September 9, 2023 |
| Early voting for preliminary | August 30 – September 5, 2023 (excluding Labor Day) |
| General election date | November 4, 2023 |
| At-large candidates | 10 candidates for 8 general-election spots |
| District 7 contest | 11 candidates competing for 2 general-election spots |
| Poll Pads | Electronic check-in devices to be used in all 275 precincts |
| Ballot printing | Planned distribution to cover 110% of registered voters |
| Support for poll workers | Dedicated day-of support line to address issues |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Prepares for Preliminary Municipal Election
Boston City Council Rejects BPD Social Media Monitoring Report
Boston Preliminary Mayoral Election Set for September 9
Massachusetts Defends Mail-in Voting Amid National Criticism
Jeffrey Charnel Honored in Boston’s ’40 Under 40′ Awards
Boston Mayoral Election 2025: Candidates and Key Issues
Boston City Council Tensions Rise Over Transparency Issues
Will Onuoha Promises Transformative Housing and Education Solutions
Boston City Councilor Expresses Frustration Over Cancelled Hearing on CORI Policy
Boston Elections Department Faces Ballot Error Ahead of Elections
Additional Resources
- Boston.com: How Boston’s Elections Will Change
- Boston Globe: City Council Candidates for Boston Preliminary Election
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Preliminary & Early Voting
- MassLive: Who’s on the Ballot for Boston Mayor & City Council
- Boston Globe: Wu and Kraft on Labor Day
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston elections
- Google Scholar: Boston City Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Boston 2025 elections
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
