Pope Leo XIV has requested a mail-in ballot for the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, potentially making history as the first sitting pope to vote in an American election.
The Will County Clerk’s Office in Illinois confirmed the request, according to reports published on October 29 and 30. The Chicago-born pontiff requested the ballot on October 3 using his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost.
Pope Leo Requests Ballot From Vatican
Leo remains registered to vote at an address in New Lenox, Illinois, where his brother lives. The county clerk’s office confirmed that his name appeared on the list of voters who requested mail-in ballots.
The pope made the request while living at the Vatican, where he leads the Catholic Church. However, election officials said they had not received his completed ballot as of October 29. It therefore remains unclear whether he has voted in the upcoming election.
A Potential First in Papal History
If Leo returns his ballot, he would become the first sitting pope known to have voted in a US election. His election as pope in May 2025 made him the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Despite his move to the Vatican, he has retained his US citizenship and voting registration in Illinois.
Illinois allows registered voters to cast ballots by mail without providing a specific reason. The state also provides voting arrangements for eligible American citizens living overseas.
Pope Leo’s Previous Voting Record
Public voting records show that Prevost participated in several US elections before becoming pope. He voted in Democratic presidential primaries in 2008 and 2010. He later participated in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
Records also show that he voted in the general elections of 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2024. These records reflect his participation in elections, not necessarily his personal political preferences.
Election Request Draws Attention
The ballot request comes amid public disagreements between Pope Leo and President Donald Trump over immigration and US foreign policy.
The pope has criticised aspects of the administration’s approach, while Trump has publicly criticised Leo’s positions. However, officials have not linked the pope’s ballot request to those disagreements.
The November 3 election will feature major races in Illinois, including contests for governor and the US Senate. For now, the key question remains whether Leo will complete and return his ballot. If he does, his participation could mark an unprecedented moment in the history of the papacy.
