1983 Boston City Council election  Boston City Council elections were held on November 15, 1983, with preliminary elections on October 11, 1983. This election transitioned the Council from having 9 members (all at-large) to having 13 members (9 district representatives and 4 at-large). All 13 seats were contested in both the preliminary and general election. Each of the nine incumbent at-large councillors ran for Boston public office. In the preliminary election, ten names appeared on the ballot, with voters able to choose four; the top eight vote-getters then appeared on the ballot in the general election. Voters in the general election could select four of the eight final candidates; Councillors McCormack, Iannella, Tierney, and O'Neil received the most votes, so were re-elected and filled the four at-large seats, while Councillor McDermott finished fifth and was not re-elected. Robert Travaglini was elected. James M. Kelly was elected. James E. Byrne was elected. Charles Yancey was elected. Thomas Menino was elected. At-large councillor Maura Hennigan was elected. At-large councillor Bruce Bolling was elected. David Scondras was elected, becoming the first openly gay Boston City Council member. Brian J. McLaughlin was elected.