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Politics · October 30, 2026

Pope Leo requested an absentee ballot in Illinois to vote in the midterms

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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, requested a mail-in ballot for the upcoming Illinois midterm elections. The Will County Clerk’s Office confirmed that the request was made on October 3 for his residence in Vatican City. While he remains a registered voter in Illinois under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost, it is not yet confirmed if the ballot has been completed or returned. If cast, this would mark the first time a sitting pope has voted in a U.S. election.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Pope Leo XIV requested a mail-in ballot for the Illinois midterm elections.
  • The request was made on October 3.
  • The pope is a registered voter in Illinois under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost.
  • The Will County Clerk's Office confirmed the request.
  • If he votes, he would be the first pope known to vote in a U.S. election while in office.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Pope Leo XIV had lung cancer surgery in October.
  • Over 20 million Americans and 1.16 million Illinois residents have already voted early.
  • The pope previously voted in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
  • The pope previously voted in Democrat primaries in 2008 and 2010.
  • The pope voted in the 2024 general election.
  • The ballot includes races for the U.S. Senate seat held by Dick Durbin and the governorship held by JB Pritzker.

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