The election will cost $3.6 million, including $315,000 for voter information pamphlets, but Herbert said counties and cities, which hold municipal elections on the same day, will contribute to the polling costs, leaving the state to fill a $2.3 million gap.

The 2007 Legislature passed the broadest voucher program in the nation. But voters will have the final say in the referendum election. Herbert also has to spend $2.5 million for the so-called Western States Primary in February. "I have the money for the elections," Herbert told the House Republican Caucus. "But come February, I will have expended all the money for elections." He asked the lawmakers to include the $2.3 million in a supplementary appropriation when they begin their session in January. - Glen Warchol