By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has requested an absentee ballot to vote in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections from Vatican City.
Ballot Request Confirmed
The Will County Clerk's Office confirmed Thursday that Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, requested a mail ballot on Oct. 3 at his Vatican residence. The clerk's office has not yet received a completed ballot. The pope underwent lung cancer surgery earlier this month.
Historic First for a Pope
If he returns the ballot, Leo would become the first pope to cast a vote in a U.S. election since becoming the first American pontiff in May 2025. The ballot would be sent to Joliet, Illinois, where he is registered.
Political Tensions with Trump Administration
Since his election, Leo has been an outspoken critic of certain Trump policies, including the U.S. war against Iran and the administration's treatment of immigrants. In April, Trump called the pope "WEAK on crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy" on social media. Leo responded that he had "no fear of the Trump administration" and would keep advocating for peace. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, also criticized Leo, saying he should "be careful" when discussing theology.
Voting History and Current Ballot
Public records show Leo has voted in previous general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024, and in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Illinois voters do not register by party. This year's ballot includes solidly Democratic races: Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Senate nominee Juliana Stratton, and Gov. JB Pritzker, who is seeking a third term.
