Current Florida Senator and candidate for the Republican nomination, Marco Rubio, is tied for third place with Carly Fiorina in a recent poll released by the Washington Post. At press time, nationwide polls have indicated that Rubio has between a 9 percent and 11 percent following. These current polls seem to show that his chance at winning the nomination are slim to none. But, as we have seen in past elections, poll numbers tend to fluctuate before the primaries as candidates continue to voice their opinions and stances.

As a hardcore conservative, Rubio supports many controversial policies. One of his more contentious stances is his view on gay marriage. Just months after the Supreme Court ruled Americans have the right to choose who they want to marry–whether it be someone of the opposite sex or not–Rubio holds firm in his belief that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. In the past, Rubio has supported a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage; however, his views have slightly differed since the Court’s announcement, and he wishes to leave this issue up to the states.

Rubio is also known for his constant denial of human-caused climate change. If elected president, Rubio declared, he does not plan on enacting policy to stop climate change or even slightly curb its effect. Lastly, and perhaps most telling about his character, Rubio voted against a proposed bill that would require employers to give equal pay to men and women performing the same jobs.

Although the majority of his policies would be considered controversial to a liberal-leaning demographic, Rubio does share stances common in Democratic platforms. For example, Rubio supports required paid maternity, paternity and sick leave. Essentially, new parents can take some time off after childbirth to care for and adjust to life with their newborn. It also means that workers taking off due to illness or childbirth will have job security and continue to get paid as they recover. This policy would have a positive impact on all affected families. Rubio also plans to assist struggling families financially by increasing the amount of money provided by welfare. Increasing welfare would put more money in American pockets to be spent and ultimately to stimulate economic growth.

As for foreign policy, Rubio plans to crack down on ISIS by placing more ground troops in regions controlled by the terrorist organization. He argues that a swift defeat of ISIS, as outlined by his plan, would save hundreds of thousands of civilians in conflicted areas, and even U.S. soldiers.

Although the 2016 Presidential Election seems like ages away, it’s important for voters to carefully evaluate all candidates based on their respective policies to make the most educated decision possible. Even if you won’t be eligible to vote, it’s critical to stay informed – so that eventually, our country can move in a direction that you agree with.