Vouchers Facing Two Major Tests

By Jessica L. Sandham

Call it a tale of two initiatives.

Campaigns for and against ballot measures that would create state voucher programs in California and Michigan are airing television ads, phoning potential voters, and conducting fund-raisers. But while some polls suggest that advocates of Michigan's voucher plan are hanging on to a slim lead over their opposition, California's voucher proponents appear to be losing support— and are adopting unusual strategies in an effort to gain momentum.

The backers of California's Proposition 38, which ultimately would provide vouchers worth at least $4,000 to any parent who sends his or her child to a private school, recently started offering prizes—including a Hawaiian vacation, $2,000 shopping sprees at Macy's, and free computers—to people who refer the greatest number of new supporters to the campaign. The campaign's Web site also features a sweepstakes...