Pro-family groups are starting the series of battles to protect traditional marriage today, beginning with a ballot vote in Louisiana on a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

However, some Louisiana residents may not receive a change to vote today.

Scott Madere, a spokesman for Secretary of State Fox McKeithen reported to the Associated Press that at least 35 precincts did not have voting machines because drivers hired to deliver the machines had apparently not shown up for work.

Madere said inconvenienced voters would be allowed to vote after polling places officially close at 8 p.m. if they are in line at that time.

On Sunday, thousands to millions of Christians are expected to participate in a nationwide broadcast of a traditional marriage rally, featuring high-profile evangelical leaders such as Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Shirley Dobson, Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, Ted Haggard of the National Association of Evangelicals, and Dr. Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dubbed, “The Battle for Marriage III,” the simulcast , which will broadcast from First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (EDT), will inform Christians on their responsibility to vote on their values and urge them to support initiatives such as a federal constitutional amendment upholding traditional marriage. Speakers will also address the dos and don’ts of churches in the political arena.

"Anticipating that we will again reach hundreds of thousands of Christians with this simulcast, we want to inform believers across the nation what is at stake and encourage them to take action in a multitude of ways,” Perkins said.

“We especially want to send a message to pastors who take a stand for the truth and to those, like Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who attack these pastors. No longer will the pastors who stand up and speak the politically incorrect truth stand alone. We will stand with them, we will stand together for the future of our country.”

The pinnacle of the marriage battle will be the House of Representatives vote next week on the Federal Marriage Amendment. Debates begin on Monday. Although the measure was stalled in the Senate, pro-family groups are hoping a grassroots effort to flood the representatives’ offices with phone calls in support of the amendment will ease its passage.

For more information to register for the Battle for Marriage simulcast, visit www.wevotevalues.com.