Pope Leo XIV Submits Mail-In Ballot for U.S. Midterm Elections

The Holy See confirmed on October 30 that Pope Leo XIV had cast a mail-in ballot in the U.S. midterm elections. The pope, who is an American citizen, submitted his ballot in Chicago ahead of the November 3 vote, according to the Holy See Press Office. The Holy See Press Office said: “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.” It described the ballot as consistent with his established practice of civic participation. The Press Office said Leo had exercised his voting rights as a U.S. citizen whenever he was eligible. It said he had also voted when eligible during his residence in Peru. Eligible U.S. citizens living abroad can cast absentee ballots in federal elections, as can military personnel away from their voting residence. The election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters will elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives, who serve two-year terms, and fill 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats. Governors will be chosen in 36 states, with other state and local offices also on the ballot.