Pope Leo XIV Seeks Illinois Absentee Ballot for November Midterms

Pope Leo XIV, registered as Robert Francis Prevost in Illinois, requested a mail-in ballot for the upcoming midterm elections. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County Clerk’s Office, confirmed the request on Thursday. The Vatican resident submitted the paperwork on Oct. 3, a detail first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. If completed and returned, the ballot will be processed in Joliet, Illinois.

The clerk’s office has not yet received a finished ballot from the pope. Leo underwent lung cancer surgery earlier this month, and it remains unclear when or if he will mail the form. His participation would mark the first time a pope has voted in a U.S. election. Leo became the first American pope in May 2025.

Public records indicate Prevost has maintained a consistent voting history. He cast ballots in general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also participated in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Illinois voters do not register by party affiliation. Instead, they choose which primary to enter for each election cycle.

Leo has frequently criticized administration policies since ascending to the papacy. He opposed the U.S. war against Iran and the treatment of immigrants. Tensions peaked in April when the pope called for peace in the conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. President Donald Trump responded on social media, labeling the pope “WEAK on crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.” Trump later stated, “I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo.”

Leo told NBC News that he had “no fear of the Trump administration” and intended to continue advocating for peace. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, also criticized the pope. Vance advised Leo to “be careful” when discussing theology and questioned his stance on U.S. foreign policy.

This year’s ballot for Prevost features several high-profile Democratic races. Representative Jonathan Jackson, son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, is seeking re-election. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is running to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Governor JB Pritzker is also on the ballot, aiming to become the first Democrat elected to a third term as Illinois governor.