Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail-In Ballot in Illinois for U.S. Midterm Elections
Pope Leo XIV has become the first reigning pontiff in history to cast a ballot in a United States election, according to confirmation from the Vatican. The 70-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, voted by mail for the state of Illinois ahead of the congressional midterms, utilizing his continued American citizenship.
The Vatican press office stated that the pope has always exercised his right to vote as an American citizen when eligible, viewing participation in democratic processes as both a right and a duty. This stance remained unchanged following his election to the papacy in May 2025, when he became the first pope from the United States. vol.at reported that the historic ballot was submitted for his registered voting district in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago.
Records Reveal Longstanding Voting History in Illinois
Publicly available voter registration records show that Pope Leo XIV regularly participated in U.S. elections prior to his ascension to the papacy. According to research by the Chicago Sun-Times, he requested his mail-in ballot on October 3 from the election authority in Will County. His voting history indicates participation in Democratic primaries in 2008 and 2010, followed by Republican primary ballots requested in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Election records also confirm he voted in the 2024 presidential election.
British church historian Michael Walsh told CNN that he knows of no earlier pope who participated in the democratic election of a secular state, though a historical precedent cannot be entirely ruled out. Beyond national politics, the pontiff’s local ballot in Illinois includes decisions on the state’s gubernatorial race, where incumbent JB Pritzker seeks another term, as well as a vacant U.S. Senate seat previously held by retiring Dick Durbin.
Political Tensions and Local Electoral Context
The pope’s participation in the midterm cycle coincides with a period of distinct political friction between Leo XIV and U.S. Donald Trump. The pontiff has publicly criticized American migration policies and military actions involving Iran, while Trump has publicly labeled the pope weak. Observers note that these policy disagreements offer no insight into the pontiff’s actual ballot choices, which remain protected by strict voting secrecy laws.
Before leading the Catholic Church, Prevost engaged directly with Illinois state politics, notably thanking former Pat Quinn in 2011 for abolishing the state’s death penalty. Church officials noted that he similarly maintained a habit of voting during his decades of service as a missionary and bishop in Peru whenever local laws permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Ballot
Which U.S. state processed the pope’s ballot?
The ballot was processed in Will County, Illinois, where Pope Leo XIV remains registered to vote in the Chicago suburb of New Lenox.
When did Robert Francis Prevost become pope?
Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, making him the first pontiff in history originating from the United States.
Did prior popes ever vote in foreign elections?
According to church historian Michael Walsh speaking to CNN, no earlier pope is known to have participated in the secular democratic elections of a foreign state.
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