Pope Leo XIV requests mail ballot for Illinois midterms

Pope Leo XIV has requested a mail ballot for the upcoming midterm elections in Illinois.

The request was confirmed by Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County clerk's office. She stated that Robert Francis Prevost, the pope's secular name, is on the list of individuals who asked for a vote by mail ballot. The pope made this request on Oct. 3.

Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native who remains registered to vote at an address in New Lenox. Although he serves as the leader of the Catholic Church, his voter registration status in Illinois has not changed. He will cast his vote in the general election scheduled for this month.

The ballot includes several high-profile state and federal races. The pope will vote in the U.S. Senate race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin. He will also vote in the gubernatorial race, where Gov. JB Pritzker seeks reelection. In addition, the ballot features Will County judicial and county races, along with other local contests.

Fladhammer verified the registration details through the county's voter records. The office processes mail ballots for residents who request them, including those living outside the state or in institutions. The pope's participation aligns with other registered voters in the Will County district.

Election officials noted that the request was received in accordance with standard procedures for mail-in voting. No special accommodations were required beyond the standard mail ballot process. The county clerk's office will send the ballot to the registered address in New Lenox.

Voters in the district can review their own ballots to see which races are included. The U.S. Senate race and the gubernatorial contest are the most visible items on the ballot for statewide voters. Local races vary by precinct and county registration.

The next major election event is the general election, where voters will cast ballots for these and other positions. The Will County clerk's office is preparing to process the returned mail ballots. The results of the vote will determine the next officials for these offices.