Pope Leo XIV submits Illinois absentee ballot

The Vatican confirmed on October 30 that Pope Leo XIV cast a ballot in the 2026 Illinois midterm elections. The pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first U.S. citizen to hold the papacy. He voted by mail while residing in Vatican City.

The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen. The office said he submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago. This follows a long-standing practice of civic participation for the pontiff.

Pope Leo is registered to vote in Joliet, Illinois. The Will County clerk's office issued the mail-in ballot. Local officials have not publicly commented on the transaction.

The pope has voted in several primary and general elections in Illinois over the years. He also voted during his previous residence in Peru, a country where he holds citizenship. These actions demonstrate his consistent engagement in democratic processes.

The next scheduled step is the counting of absentee ballots in Illinois. The results of the midterm elections will determine the composition of the state's legislative seats. The Vatican's confirmation marks the latest instance of the pope participating in a U.S. election cycle.