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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 10 CITY VIEWS February 27, 2026 Campaign Shoes Of Councilman Ashfaq Syed Added To America 250 Exhibit At Naper Settlement N aperville City Councilman Ashfaq Syed an- nounced that the shoes he wore during his two- year grassroots campaign have been donated for permanent preservation and display as part of the America 250 exhibit presented by the Naper- ville Heritage Society. The exhibit, housed at Naper Settlement, commemo- rates the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlights local stories that reflect the broader American experience. Syed wore the shoes while walking thousands of steps across Naperville — knocking on doors in neighbor- hoods, attending parades, participating in community meetings and cultural gatherings, and holding front- porch conversations with residents. Born in Hyderabad, India, Syed had been a Naperville resident for eight years when he was elected in 2025. He is the first Indian American and the first Muslim elected to the Naperville City Council. The campaign shoes worn by Councilman Ashfaq Syed are displayed with exhibit details as part of the America 250 exhibit at Naper Settlement. Photo: Ashfaq Syed “These shoes represent far more than a campaign,” Syed said. “They represent listening, trust and rela- tionships built one conversation at a time. Every step reminds me of a resident who shared concerns, hopes and ideas for our city.” For Syed, an immigrant, the recognition carries special meaning. “To see a small piece of my journey preserved in the history of the community that welcomed me is hum- bling beyond words,” he said. “This does not belong to me — it belongs to the people of Naperville who opened their doors and placed their trust in me.” The America 250 exhibit connects everyday civic participation to the nation’s story, emphasizing that history is shaped not only by monuments and textbooks but also by neighbors working together to build a better future. Syed expressed gratitude to the museum and the community for recognizing the significance of grass- roots civic engagement. “Thank you for preserving these shoes and sharing this story with the community,” he said. “And thank you, Naperville, for walking this path with me.” PHOTOS:ASHFAQ SYED Ashfaq Syed points to the campaign shoes displayed as part of the America 250 exhibit at Naper Settlement. The campaign shoes worn by Councilman Ashfaq Syed are displayed with exhibit details as part of the America 250 exhibit at Naper Settlement. By a StaffWriter Early Voting Opens in Downtown Chicago for March 17 Primary E arly voting for the March 17, 2026 pri- mary election is now open in downtown Chicago at two locations operated by the Chicago Board of Election Commission- ers. Voters may cast ballots at the new Chicago Board of Elections Supersite, 137 S. State St. (State and Adams streets), and at the board’s of- fices at 69W. Washington St., Sixth Floor. From Feb. 12 through March 8, both down- town sites will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FromMarch 9 through March 16, weekday hours will extend to 7 p.m., with weekend hours unchanged. The Su- persite will also be open on Election Day, March 17, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting in all 50 wards across Chicago will begin March 2 at 9 a.m. and continue through Election Day. All 50 ward sites will serve as vote centers on March 17 and will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Any voter in Chicago can now come downtown to vote early, if you want to get a head start on their civic duty. Don’t wait until the last second on March 17 — research your choices on the ballot and make a plan to vote,” said Marisel Hernandez, chairwoman of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. More than 151,000 vote-by-mail ballots have begun shipping to applicants for the March 17 primary. Voters may still apply to vote by mail and may also apply online to join the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster to auto- matically receive ballots for future preferred elections. Applications to vote by mail will be accepted through 5 p.m. March 12. The board recommends voters request and return ballots as soon as possible due to recent U.S. Postal Service postmark changes. For the primary election, voters must re- quest a specific party ballot when voting early, in person or by mail. Voters may choose only one party ballot. Available ballots in Chicago for the March 17 primary are Democratic, Libertarian and Republican. No nonpartisan ballots are available. The board is also seeking poll workers for Election Day. Election judges can earn up to $230 for the day. Interested residents may apply online. For more information, contact Max Bever at [mbev- er@chicagoelections.gov ](mailto:mbever@chicagoelec- tions.gov) or 773-782-0971. By a StaffWriter