On this day before elections in the United States, and upon learning about the candidates' punishing travel schedules, I'm reminded of an electoral practice in France, where I live: the day of reflection.

In France, elections are held (always) on Sunday. Candidates campaign until Friday. But on Friday night, when the clock strikes midnight, campaigning stops. The day before he election, voters enjoy some peace and quiet: a day without ads, solicitations, or rallies.

The rationale behind stopping the campaign a day before the election is to provide voters with time to reflect. As intentions go, this is fine, but what attracts me to a pre-election day without campaigning is the dose of civility it gives to the electoral process.

By comparison, last-minute cajoling and hectoring (or preaching to the converted) suggests a carnival or circus. This isn't the right tone for an election.