Pope Leo to vote by mail in Illinois midterms
The gist
Pope Leo XIV, registered to a New Lenox address, requested a mail ballot for the midterms.
The Chicago-born pope's vote will travel from Illinois to the Vatican.
How it unfolded
- May 2025Leo became the first American pope after white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel.
- Oct 3, 2026Pope Leo XIV, registered to a New Lenox address, requested a mail ballot for the midterm elections, according to the Will County clerk's office.
- Oct 29, 2026The Chicago Sun-Times first reported the request; the Will County clerk's office confirmed it and said it had not yet received a completed ballot.