Anna Dryjanska: Why are you going to the election?
Wojtek Sawicki: due to the fact that it is my duty. I have the chance to decide my life, so I usage it.
This decision-making as a single voter is symbolic.
It is both real and symbolic, and symbols are very important. My video is simply a message that could get any people to take part in the election.
So your goal is to increase attendance?
Not only that. For many years, erstwhile I could not leave home, I voted by correspondence. I could do that in this election, too. But now that I have the chance to participate in society, I want to usage it.
People with disabilities are inactive isolated in society. It's worth showing you're part of it. This is very crucial to me. That's why I'm going to vote at the polling station on June 1.
When I vote, it's like this: I take my ID, I go to the place, I put a cross in the right box, I come back. Shast-prast: 15 minutes, half an hr at most, if there are queues. How's your trial going?
I'm starting voting preparations a week before the election. First, I make certain in the mCitizen app that my polling place is available to people with mobility disabilities. Are there just stairs, or besides driveway or elevator?
I want to prepare for all eventuality. They taught me this 1990s and 00s erstwhile many public offices were inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Fortunately, I only happened erstwhile to vote in a place that is not adapted to the needs of voters with mobility disabilities.
And erstwhile you confirm that you can get into the polling station, what happens next?
Then I check to see if and which of my assistants has time to go to the vote with me on Sunday. A fewer days before I check the weather forecast to plan the best possible time to leave home.
Whether it's the sun, whether it's raining, whether it's cold or warm, depends on what mode of transport I get to the polling station. If it is good weather, it involves walking or public transportation. If atmospheric conditions are unfavorable, then it must be a car in which you can drive the cart and safe it. The assistant helps me get in the car and on my way.
Of course, the weather on the day of the vote may be different than in the forecast, then I gotta adjust the plans to the prevailing conditions.
You and your assistant made it to the polling station. How do you vote if you can't hold a pen?
The assistant gets my ballot. Then he fills it out according to my decision and shows it to me. Then he helps me throw her in the ballot box.
How do the election committee respond to your presence?
They are usually helpful, trained and willing to help. They want to facilitate the voting process, as they can, to fulfil my civic work without undue discomfort.
And how do another voters respond to you?
People are shocked by my appearance and that I want to participate in society. That's why I feel like all time I leave home is simply a performance. But despite fear, another voters want to aid me, they want me luck.
Everyone tries to respond as best they can. There is no hostility or impatience from the surroundings. There's restraint and ignorance.
How long does it take you to vote?
About 3 hours, if you number from the minute you start preparing to leave home until you return.
I think you've just embarrassed quite a few people with mobility who don't vote.
I don't want to embarrass anyone. I want to show on my example that even if taking part in the elections is simply a small more hard and takes a small longer, it is worth taking these efforts, taking advantage of the right to vote.
Why?
I think taking part in the elections is the minimum we owe our country. As Poles, we should influence the life of our nation not only by voting, but besides by associating in defence of our values.
Civil engagement benefits not only the state, but besides us. I have a comparison: since I started sharing socially, my life has become better.
Voting is the easiest and least engaging form of shaping our lives.
Finally, do you have anything to say to those who believe that in the second circular of elections 2 worthy candidates met each other?
None of the candidates are perfect, but they are surely not identical. It is worth voting for this candidate who represents our views more.