Pope Leo requests absentee ballot in Illinois for midterm vote

Pope Leo XIV, registered to vote in Illinois, requested an absentee ballot on October 3 from his residence in Vatican City, according to the Will County Clerk's Office chief of staff.

It is unclear whether Pope Leo, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, has completed or mailed his ballot yet. The clerk's office confirmed they have not received a completed ballot from him so far.

Pope Leo had lung cancer surgery this month. If he mails his ballot, it would be sent to Joliet, Illinois, where he is registered to vote.

Pope Leo became the first American pope in May 2025.