Pope Leo to vote by mail in Illinois midterm election from the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV requested a mail ballot for the midterm election in Illinois, where he is registered, according to the Will County clerk's office. 

The mail ballot had to travel from Joliet to Vatican City, the Chicago Sun Times reported. 

The pontiff is registered under his real name, Robert Francis Prevost, at a New Lenox address. He requested a mail ballot on Oct. 3. 

Records show the pope voted in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Republican primaries, as well as in the 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2024 general elections. He also voted in Democratic primaries in 2008 and 2010, but he did not vote in the March primary. 

In Illinois, voters are not required to register by party and can choose parties for their primary ballot.