Pope Leo Votes as US Midterms Bring Record Gas Prices and Voting Delays

Will County clerk in Illinois confirmed Tuesday that the county received a mail-in ballot from Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, making him the first pope to ever vote in a U.S. election. Early exit polls show President Trump facing a 38% approval rating, lower than his 2018 midterm numbers and George W. Bush's 2006 numbers. Roughly six in 10 voters say Mr. Trump is a factor in their House vote, driven largely by voters backing Democrats in opposition to the president. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE agents will not be deployed to polling places, calling such suggestions ridiculous.

Voting Delays and Warnings

The North Carolina Board of Elections extended voting hours at five precincts across Columbus, Hertford, Lenoir, and Wilson counties following Election Day disruptions, pushing statewide results to 8:15 p.m. Meanwhile, gas prices hit a record high for an Election Day at an average of $4.15 per gallon according to AAA. Fulton County election officials in Georgia also warned voters about unauthorized text messages spreading false claims regarding polling place changes.

Context

Midterm elections in the United States routinely serve as a referendum on the sitting president's party and legislative agenda. Voting rules, local polling place changes, and election administration are managed at the state and county levels by local officials.