Viewfinder: Collingswood Got Out the Vote

's first-ever was a major success.

From 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, at favorite local restaurant —which provided complimentary food and refreshments for guests—residents sat elbow-to-elbow at tables in the private party room.

Each attendee wielded a laptop, iPad or mobile device. Their goal was unified: to cast as many votes in a five-hour period as possible.

And thanks to supporters, Collingswood went from number 16 (in Reader's Digest's We Hear You America campaign) to number 13.

Breaking the 200,000-vote mark only a couple hours into the event, residents finally left at 9 p.m., with the borough bearing a total of 214,183 votes.

It was one step closer to Collingswood's goal of being named Reader's Digest's best town in America—an honor that brings grant money with it.

"If we ended right now, (in the spot we earned during Wednesday's) event, we would get $5,000," said Borough Communications Director and Community Development Director Cass Duffey.

Duffey said the borough hopes to hold two more Get Out the Vote events before the contest closes on March 1.

In the meantime, residents and Collingswood-lovers are encouraged to keep voting. Visit the official We Hear You America site, and vote an unlimited number of times.

Good luck, Collingswood!