Comfort in the form of noodles, bone broth, aromatics, and roasted pork belly could be in order if voting near Cal State Northridge. Maru Ramen opened during the pandemic and has outdoor seating, if comfortable enough to dine-in. Also try the kaarage bowl with mirin aioli sauce, pickled radishes, shredded seaweed, chives, an over-medium egg, and crispy Japanese fried chicken. Tuesday hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Maru Ramen. 9035 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA

Pierce College in the Valley is out in Woodland Hills, which is nearby the excellent Chio’s Peruvian Grill, which serves everything from a terrific pollo a la brasa to an ever-popular plate of lomo saltado. The place is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Chio’s Peruvian Grill. 19960 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA

North Hollywood’s slate of restaurants provides plenty of variety in the way of post-voting needs, but Viscious Dogs on Lankershim is a solid place for some over-the-top hot dogs like a crab-covered bacon one with sweet and spicy glaze and tartar sauce. Open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Viscious Dogs. 5231 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA

Simple Vietnamese takeout fare is the order of the day (or should be) for those voting at the nearby Pasadena Convention Center. Ginger Spice Noodle & Grill is a low-key staple for bun bo hue, summer rolls, and more, including a soul-warming bowl of takeout pho. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ginger Spice Noodle & Grill. 451 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

The actual restaurant situation at Universal CityWalk is going to be fairly unimpressive, but the reliable Joe’s Falafel down the hill has everything from chicken shawarma to hot falafel sandwiches to quell the appetite.

Joe’s Falafel. 3535 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Golden Deli and its fantastic Vietnamese food is just a short hop away from San Gabriel High School in San Gabriel. Try the the spring rolls and a bowl of pho for a delicious way to cap off Election Day.

Golden Deli. 815 W Las Tunas Blvd, San Gabriel, CA

What better way to douse a day’s worth of anxiety than with a ton of carnitas? Or, even better for the classic Lincoln Heights staple Carnitas Michoacan, how about a tray of cheesy, meaty carne asada nachos? They’re simple, delicious, and can also be done as carne asada fries for those really needing a nap afterwards. Open 24 hours

The Original Carnitas Michoacan. 1901 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Tuesday’s weather forecast looks sunny, so either eat first and cast a ballot. If heading to Beverly Hills City Hall, make it Croft Alley. The West Hollywood cafe moved slightly westward in 2019, with an improved spin on avocado toast with fresh burrata, bowls, salads, and an Instagram-popular yogurt with market berries and chlorophyll. Tuesday hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Croft Alley Beverly Hills. 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA

It’s hard to think of a more comforting post-voting meal than the food at DTLA Cheese. Whole wedges of rare and well-sources cheese are available for takeout (think picnic in a park nearby), but for those with an immediate need it’s best to opt for the ham melt, a classic three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich served with black forest ham and lots of onions. It’s homey, melty, and satisfying on an elemental level. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DTLA Cheese. 317 S Broadway #45, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Forget the newcomers to the booming barrio movement, at least for a moment: El Parian is where it’s at. This classic Pico-Union spot just blocks from L.A. Live serves up some of the city’s best goat barrio, complete with tons of tortillas on the side. It’s the Jonathan Gold-endorsed kind of deliciousness that makes long voting lines a little bit more easy to handle. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

El Parian. 1528 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tacos abound around Salazar Park in East LA, which makes for a worthy stop during election time. But for something just slightly left-of-center, opt instead for the bean and cheese burritos from staple Boyle Heights stand Al & Bea’s. Served hot and fresh from the 54-year-old walk up restaurant, each is a simple, inexpensive reminder of just how great Los Angeles can be, even when times are worrisome. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Al & Bea’s. 2025 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

It’s an easy choice for Baldwin Hills voters. Walk for one minute for Tennessee’s favorite export, Hotville Chicken. Kim Prince’s Nashville-inspired spot has been open for over almost a year, but settled into LA’s food community like she’s always been here. Choose a favorite piece, then a preferred level of heat — which ranges from mild to ‘Nashville hot’ — with sides to complement the meal. Tuesday hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hotville Chicken. 4070 Marlton Avenue, Baldwin Hills, CA

After casting a ballot on Tuesday, head to Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen where breakfast can include cochinita pibil, albondigas soup, or one of owner Rocio Camacho’s classic moles with mahi, rib eye, shrimp, or pork. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen. 7891 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA

Manhattan Beach’s Joslyn Community City is fairly close to the main drag of the South Bay city’s restaurant scene. Love & Salt has a steady selection of quality Italian comfort dishes like pastas, pizza, and more. There’s a sizeable outdoor dining area, though everything works well on takeout too, especially those wood-fired pizzas. Open until 10 p.m.

Love & Salt. 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA.

Los Compadres is a classic combo-plate Mexican restaurant that seems a fitting post-voting meal with everything from queso fundido to giant burritos, and it’s a few blocks from the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. Open until 9 p.m.

Los Compadres. 1144 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA

San Pedro High School is a main voting center in LA’s southern-most city. A short drive on Gaffey is Sushi 21, a solid roll spot serving familiar Japanese dishes for the neighborhood. Pick up some rolls, and maybe a bento, then watch the results on TV at home. Open until 9 p.m.

Sushi 21. 235 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA.