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.
[2] 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.
David Scondras was elected, becoming the first openly gay Boston City Council member.