MOUNDSVILLE – It’s a new age in politics, and the Marshall County Democratic Party knows new ideas are needed if they are to reach voters in the 2026 election.

Members of the party’s executive committee have scheduled an indoor yard sale where the public can come scout for bargains – and maybe speak to candidates while they rummage for deals on used home goods and exercise equipment.

The yard sale is set to happen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25 at the Maxwell Acres Community Center, and it is being hosted by the Marshall County Democratic Women’s Club.

Members are donating the items for sale. Democratic candidates for office in the May 12 primary election, meanwhile, are planning to be present to talk to shoppers.

Barbara Scott, chairwoman of the Marshall County Democratic Party, explained the party anticipates there will be different voters in attendance who usually aren’t at political functions.

“You reach a different segment when you try different ideas,” she said. “We thought it was a unique way to interact with a segment of the community that doesn’t come to fundraisers, political meetings or regular meet the candidate events.”

Scott noted the indoor yard sale was the idea of Katelynn Webb, the vice president of the Democratic Women’s Club.

“She has some great ideas,” Scott said. “She has volunteered in the community and thought it would be something fun to do. The money raised will help candidates and their campaign.

“The candidates like the idea. They get the opportunity to talk with people in a relaxed atmosphere rather than at typical political events.”

At the regular meetings of the Marshall County Democratic Party, members often discuss what the party should be doing to reach different parts of the community. That is when the idea of the indoor yard sale was discussed.

“We ran with it, and it is getting a good response,” Scott said. “I think they kind of like it.

“We do the traditional picnic every year. We have done steak fries in the past, but everybody is doing steak fries. This is reaching a different segment of the community. At an indoor yard sale, people will be able to speak one on one with candidates.”

The Marshall County Democratic Women’s Club also will be partnering with the Ohio County Democratic Women’s Club for another event this month.

“Coffee, Cookies and Candidates” is set for 4-6 p.m. on April 18 at the Ironworkers Hall, 2350 Main St., Wheeling. Scott attributed the idea for this event to Teddie Grogan, co-president of the Ohio County Democratic Women.

“It’s another idea to make it easier on both the community and candidates,” Scott said. “There will be statewide candidates coming because on the same day because (Democratic parties in) Brooke and Hancock counties are having a luncheon. As the candidates are heading back, we are offering desert and coffee and the opportunity to speak with the public.

“It’s not a formal presentation. As the candidates come in, they can work their way among the people who are there. It’s important the people get to talk to candidates there rather than sit in a formal setting. Some may not always ask a candidate a question at a microphone, but they will over coffee and cookies,” she added.