Shakeup looms for Denver's at-large council elections

Catch up quick: 2G will create separate races for the two at-large seats, which are currently elected from a pool of candidates, allowing voters to select up to two competitors.

• Denver is split into 11 council districts. Each member in those seats represents a specific area; the two at-large office holders represent the entire city.

Context: Proponents of the rule change say the new system will be more equitable, ensuring a candidate earned the majority vote to be elected — the same requirement the other 11 council members must meet.

• Supporters also argue the proposed system will lead to less undervoting.

The other side: The measure's opponents claimed the system would put progressive and grassroots candidates at a disadvantage by making them more susceptible to outside money's influences, a claim proponents reject.

• Opponents called the measure unnecessary, confusing and half-baked.

Follow the money: 2G — a relatively low-profile ballot measure — drew support from a dark money group known for backing moderate Democrats.