The state Senate on Tuesday is poised to take up a package of measures meant to change New York's election laws with the goal of expanding access to the polls.

The proposals include a state-level version of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, a bill named after the late congressman and civil rights leader that has stalled on the national level.

Democrats in Congress and President Joe Biden have struggled to enact any major voting changes nationwide, making state governments a more friendly environment for doing so given the control the party has in both chambers in New York.

The bill, backed by state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, would create "rights of actions" for denying or limiting the right of a protected class to vote and provide assistance to language minority groups.

Lawmakers want to also block practices meant to suppress voters and boost penalties for violating someone's right to vote. They are also calling for a measure that would create a voting and elections database.

And a measure backed by Sen. Liz Krueger would create the misdemeanor offense of electronically tampering with elections.

Republicans, meanwhile, are set to protest in Albany on Tuesday a proposed measure that would switch New York's local-level elections to even-numbered years outside of New York City.

Supporters, including state Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs, have argued the move would boost turnout. Jacobs last week sent an email to members of the Legislature pushing for the bill's passage.

But Republican opponents have said the change is part of an effort by Democrats to win local-level seats in New York. Typically, Republicans fare better in odd-numbered election years given the heavy Democratic turnout in even-numbered years, especially during presidential elections.