Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of nine Democrats on Wednesday in co-sponsoring Sen. Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bill to nullify the new election integrity measures implemented by President Donald Trump via executive order last week.

“The continued success of our unique experiment in self-government relies on each successive generation understanding our shared past, national values, and the framers’ careful – though imperfect – work. If we truly want a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we must make sure the people have the tools and perspective needed to play their part,” said Sen. King.

King’s statement claimed that by requiring proof of citizenship from all voters, the executive order would “disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters.”

He notably did not explain how the requirement would disenfranchise citizens or why citizens would be unable to prove their citizenship.

He also raised concerns about provisions in the order instructing the federal government to prosecute election-related crimes in states that refuse to comply with the order.

Padilla’s bill, the Defending America’s Future Elections Act, asserts that Trump’s election integrity order has no force or effect and does not permit the use of any federal funds to carry out or enforce the order.

The order, in fact, uses the threat of cutting federal election funds to pressure states into compliance. It also directs federal resources to states for verification of citizenship.

“The Defending America’s Future Elections Act would ensure that the people can continue to vote for the elected officials that they believe best represent their interests. Not only is this Executive Order illegitimate, it’s also inefficient – there are laws and election boards already in place to maintain the sanctity of the vote,” said King.

The bill also prevents Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from using any federal funds to access state voter registration lists or federal immigration databases.

The order instructs DOGE to work alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review publicly available voter registration lists, along with information on list maintenance, and compare that information with federal immigration data to determine whether election law is being followed.

DOGE also has the power to subpoena information if necessary.

Despite opposition from King and numerous other Democratic politicians, including Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows, the vast majority of Americans support greater election security.

A Gallup poll from October found that 83 percent of Americans believe that first-time voters should be required to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote.