Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has requested an absentee ballot to vote in Illinois’ upcoming midterm elections, according to officials in Will County. The request, submitted on October 3, marks the first time a sitting pope is poised to cast a ballot in a secular U.S. election.
The Will County Clerk’s Office confirmed to NBC News that Leo, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, remains a registered voter at a New Lenox, Illinois, address despite residing in Vatican City. The clerk’s office has not yet received a completed ballot from the pope, who underwent lung cancer surgery earlier this month. If submitted, the ballot would be sent to Joliet, Illinois.
Leo’s ballot is expected to include races for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat, the Illinois gubernatorial election, and local contests in Will County. Illinois does not require voters to register by party, allowing voters to select a primary ballot each election cycle. Public records indicate Leo has participated in prior elections, casting ballots in the 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024 general elections, as well as Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Tensions with U.S. Leadership
Leo’s voting participation follows a history of public disagreements with U.S. political figures, particularly President Donald Trump. In April, Trump criticized Leo on social media, calling him “WEAK on crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” after Leo advocated for peace in the U.S.-Israeli conflict. Leo responded by stating he had “no fear of the Trump administration” and would continue advocating for peace.
Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, has also publicly challenged Leo’s statements on theology and U.S. foreign policy, urging caution in his remarks. Leo’s critiques have primarily focused on immigration policy and military engagements, including the war in Iran.
Voting Process and Deadlines
Illinois allows any registered voter to request a mail ballot, including citizens living abroad. As of the latest reports, over 20 million Americans and 1.16 million Illinois residents have voted early in the midterms. The deadline for mail ballots in Illinois is November 3, the day of the election.
Officials have not confirmed whether Leo has completed or returned his ballot. The Vatican has not issued a statement regarding the pope’s voting plans.