Washington, D.C., Thursday, January 20, 2000 Cisco Systems Inc. today partnered with the Brookings Institution to sponsor a symposium on the Future of Internet Voting, exploring how e-democracy will reshape American politics and elections.

"The Internet waits for no one no country, company or individual," Cisco CEO John Chambers said in a keynote address opening the forum. "The Internet has redefined traditional business models and is now beginning to reshape the political process. Our country is moving towards an e-democracy in which technology empowers citizens to participate in decisions that shape their future. I believe that the politicians who learn to harness the power of the Internet will emerge as our next generation of leaders."

Joining Chambers were California Governor Gray Davis, New York Governor George Pataki and Dr. Tom Mann of the Brookings Institution. Other participants included Federal Election Commissioner Dave Mason, Texas State Director of Elections Ann McGeehan, League of Women Voters President Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Jim Adler, founder and President of VoteHere.Net and Anthony Corrado, professor of government at Colby College.

All panelists agreed that the Internet offers exciting opportunities to reenergize the American electorate, providing voters more information about their government and elections. Many look to the Internet to reverse the 40-year trend of declining voter turnout, increase access for disabled and elderly voters, and reduce costs and complexity for states and localities.