Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail-In Ballot in United States Midterms

Pope Leo XIV voted by mail for the upcoming United States midterm elections scheduled for November 3, the Vatican press office confirmed on Friday. This historic event marks the first time a reigning pontiff is officially known to exercise the right to vote in an election. The Vatican stated that the pope acted in accordance with a consolidated practice of civic participation, noting that he holds the conviction that citizens have both the right and the duty to engage in democratic processes.

The news emerged after reports in United States media revealed that Robert Francis Prevost was listed among individuals requesting a mail-in ballot. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County clerk's office, confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that the pope requested the ballot from Vatican City on October 3. Born in Chicago, the pontiff remains registered to vote in Illinois with an address listed in New Lenox.

According to voting records cited by local media, the pontiff has consistently participated in past elections. His voting history includes the general elections of 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024, alongside multiple primary elections for both major political parties. Officials clarified that voters in Illinois are not required to register under a specific party affiliation.

The Holy See noted that the pontiff has exercised his voting rights as a United States citizen whenever the opportunity arose, including during the years he resided in Peru. Matt Dietrich, a spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections, explained that registered voters living abroad can easily cast ballots by mail under current state and federal provisions without needing to provide a special justification.

This participation in the democratic process occurs during a year marked by visible public policy differences between the pontiff and United States President Donald Trump. The two figures have publicly disagreed on key international and domestic matters, including immigration policies and military actions in the Middle East. The pope has openly criticized recent military offensives, while the administration has occasionally sparred with the Vatican over diplomatic stances.

The United States midterm elections on November 3 will determine the balance of power in Congress, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate up for contention. Millions of voters across the country are participating in these crucial legislative races, which traditionally serve as a referendum on the current administration in Washington.