From Vatican City, pope requested an absentee ballot in illinois to vote in the midterms
Ballot request confirmed
Leo is registered to vote in Illinois and requested a mail ballot for the coming midterms. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff at the Will County Clerk’s Office, confirmed the Oct. 3 request to NBC News on Thursday.
The ballot request was made from Leo’s residence in Vatican City. The article does not say whether the ballot has been returned or counted.
A first for a pope
Leo was born Robert Francis Prevost and became pope in May 2025, the first American to hold the position. If he votes in the U.S. election, he would be the first pope to do so.
His effort to vote links the Vatican residence with his status as an Illinois voter. The election is scheduled for next week, according to the report.
Earlier clash with Trump
Leo later told NBC News he had “no fear of the Trump administration” and said he would continue advocating for peace. The account does not describe any connection between that dispute and his ballot request.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV requested an Illinois mail ballot on Oct. 3.
- The request came from his residence in Vatican City.
- Leo is registered to vote in Illinois and was born Robert Francis Prevost.
- If he votes, he would be the first pope to cast a vote in a U.S. election.