By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter

brobinson@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican presidential candidate, will host a Town Hall event at Easley High School on Sunday.

Easley City Councilman Chris Mann made the announcement during Monday night’s meeting of Easley City Council.

The event will be held at the school’s gym from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Sunday, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Guests must RSVP by visiting http://www.eventbrite.com/e/easley-town-hall-with-marco-rubio-tickets-21386597890. Those unable to RSVP online will be able to sign up at the door, depending on capacity.

Mann said he and Easley Mayor Larry Bagwell plan to attend.

Rubio is currently polling third in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. president behind billionaire Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

The South Carolina Republican Primary is scheduled for Feb. 20.

Absentee voting is now underway for Pickens County voters, according to county officials. Voters may cast their ballots either in person at the county voter registration and elections office in Pickens or by mail. For more information about how to cast an absentee ballot, visit pickenselections.org or call (864) 898-5948.

If Rubio, who finished third in last week’s Iowa caucus, is successful in his campaign for the Republican nomination, he will face the Democratic candidate, either former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Sen. Bernie Sanders, in the November general election.

Rubio was first elected as a city commissioner in Miami. In 2000, he was elected to the Florida State House, where he served for eight years. In 2010, he ran as a long-shot candidate for the U.S. Senate and upset Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for the seat.

Rubio’s wife, Jeanette, is a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, and they have four children.