The campaign sign of Sarika Bansal, an Indian-origin woman running for a town council in North Carolina, was vandalized with a photo of a Black person's face superimposed over her own face. Bansal, the only person of color running for the Cary Town Council this year, discovered the defaced sign during a regular meeting of the council. The incident took place in the Highcroft Village neighborhood in West Cary, where Bansal is running for a seat. Bansal expressed shock and sadness over the act of vandalism and racism, stating that there is no place for bigotry and racism against people of color in the Town of Cary.

-She emphasized the importance of embracing diversity to build strength and unity in the community. Asian Americans make up 20 percent of the population in Cary, according to a report. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht condemned the incident, calling it a racist and despicable act that goes against the values held dear in Cary. He assured that the town will do everything possible to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In North Carolina, it is a class 3 misdemeanor to deface or remove a political sign that is lawfully placed. Bansal, a small business owner and resident of Cary, emphasized the need for sustainable leadership in West Cary and the importance of diverse representation on the Town Council to bring about necessary change. She called on other candidates to commit themselves to creating a Cary that accepts people of all backgrounds and colors.

Bansal is running in a three-way race for the town's District D seat, along with current Councilman Ryan Eades and newcomer Rachel Jordan. If elected, Bansal would become the second woman of color and the first Indian American to serve on the town council. The municipal election in Cary is scheduled for October 10, preceding the county's Election Day on November 7.