The debate over whether luxury boxes have a place in the Big House could become more complicated if both Democratic candidates for the University Board of Regents win at the polls today.

That outcome could deadlock the board, which in May voted 5 to 3 to approve a renovation plan that would add suites to Michigan Stadium.

Republican Regent David Brandon, a former University football player with ties to the Athletic Department, who is running for a second term, was a key supporter of the plan.

With a high Democratic turnout expected for today's election, experts say there's a good chance Brandon will lose his seat on the board to Democratic candidate Julia Darlow. If Darlow and incumbent Kathy White (D-Ann Arbor) both win today, Darlow's vote could determine whether the renovations to Michigan Stadium will include skyboxes.

But Darlow hasn't taken a stance on suites. She said she can't yet make an informed decision.

"I would need to start from scratch and make my decision based on all the information that has been available to the regents," Darlow said. "I might even want to know more, and I'd be in a position to ask for that information and get it."

Regents Larry Deitch (D-Bingham Farms), Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) and White voted against the luxury box proposal in May. If Darlow joins their ranks, the board could be tied 4 to 4. According to the regents' bylaws, a majority of the regents must support an action for it to move forward.

A tie would mean the proposal would fail.

Her decision not to make a decision is unique in this regents race among major-party candidates - all three of her main opponents have taken a stance on the suites. Republican candidate Susan Brown said she supports enclosed seating if it will benefit the University financially.

"This is not about ducking an issue," Darlow said. "Obviously, there could be some political gain if I took a position, but I don't think it's right."

But even if Darlow defeats Brandon and joins the skybox opponents, it could already be too late for her to make a difference.

Last month, Athletic Director Bill Martin said he hopes to present the renovation plan to the regents at their meeting in November.

By the time Darlow would take office on Jan. 1, the architects would have started drawing up detailed architectural schematics.

University spokeswoman Julie Peterson said it's usually four to eight months between the time a design is approved and the time the a construction company is hired to work on the project.

Although the board has the authority to reconsider a previous decision on a project, Peterson said she couldn't think of an instance where it has happened.

The heated debate over stadium renovations has put the regents in a tough position, Darlow said.

"Some people are making a decision a certain way because they have very strong opinions about how the stadium should be," Darlow said. "I don't think that's what a regent should do."