As voters across the nation cast their ballots, many are turning to food to help them navigate the anxiety-inducing day. From superstitious meal choices to indulgent comfort foods, people are finding solace in their snacking decisions.

Seeking Solace in Snacks: How Voters Are Coping with Election Day Stress

Superstitious Snacking

Some social media users are letting their superstitions guide their Election Day menus. One person shared that they made beef stew on Election Day 2020, and their preferred candidate won. Determined to replicate that success, they plan to make beef stew again on this Election Day. Others are sticking to their own long-held traditions, like one individual who always had oyster stew on Election Night, though they admit they're not sure why.These superstitious snack choices may seem irrational, but they provide a sense of control and comfort for voters during a highly uncertain time. By engaging in familiar rituals, people can feel like they're actively contributing to a favorable outcome, even if the connection between their food choices and election results is purely coincidental.

Comfort Food Cravings

For many voters, Election Day is a time to indulge in classic comfort foods. One social media user suggested a menu of "bagels w/cream cheese, mozzarella sticks, loaded mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese — basically is it carbs and cheese? Then IT'S ACCEPTABLE!" Another declared their plan to rely on "fast food and red wine" to get them through the evening.The appeal of these comforting, indulgent snacks lies in their ability to provide a sense of familiarity and emotional soothing. When faced with the stress and uncertainty of election results, people often turn to the foods they associate with feelings of safety, security, and nostalgia. By embracing these familiar flavors and textures, voters can find temporary respite from the tension of the day.

Celebratory or Consolatory Snacks

Some voters are taking a more pragmatic approach to their Election Day snacking, treating it as a win-win situation. One individual shared that they're "justified in buying outrageously bad-for-me snacks this week. If my candidate wins, they are celebratory snacks. If she doesn't, they are 'eating my feelings' snacks. Either way, they won't go to waste."This strategy allows voters to indulge in their cravings regardless of the election outcome, providing a sense of control and a way to cope with the emotional rollercoaster of the day. By framing their snack choices as either a celebration or a consolation, they can find comfort in the act of eating itself, rather than tying it directly to the election results.

Nausea-Soothing Remedies

For those experiencing election-induced nausea, some voters are turning to natural remedies to find relief. Suggestions include peppermint tea, peppermint hard candies, bananas, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted tomatoes, toast, and ginger ale. These soothing, gentle foods and drinks can help settle upset stomachs and provide a sense of comfort during a stressful time.By addressing the physical symptoms of anxiety, voters can better manage the emotional toll of the day and focus on the task at hand – casting their ballots and awaiting the results. These nausea-soothing snacks and beverages offer a practical solution to a common Election Day challenge.Ultimately, the diverse range of snack choices and coping strategies employed by voters on Election Day reflects the deeply personal and emotional nature of the democratic process. Whether turning to superstition, comfort foods, celebratory indulgences, or natural remedies, people are finding ways to navigate the stress and uncertainty of the day, one bite at a time.