With all the mail ballots from last week’s general election now counted, Jackson Councilman Mordy Burnstein will officially be elected to the Township Council by 225 votes and become the first Orthodox Jew elected to municipal office in the township’s 140-year history.

Burnstein, who was chosen by the council a year ago to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Marty Flemming, received 28.9% of the votes cast.

In a statement, Burnstein, who received a total of 9,494 votes, mentioned the slim margin, while noting the oft repeated line of “every vote counts” actually mattered this election. His closest challenger, Amanda Trombetta, received 9,269 votes.

“Each election year we say that every vote counts, but this year’s election proves it beyond a doubt,” Burnstein said.

“I want to thank all the voters of Jackson who came out, and the many who worked hard and long hours to bring out the vote, for their support and confidence. Together we’ve accomplished an historic victory and will move forward to deliver real results for all residents of Jackson Township,” he added.

Along with Burnstein, incumbent Councilman Nino Borrelli was re-elected with 11,363 votes and school board president Giuseppe Palmeri received 11,262 votes.

Burnstein, a longtime fixture in Jackson and Ocean County politics, was assisted by an incredible turnout from the Orthodox Jewish community, which was estimated to be at over 90%.

“It is true that decisions are made by the people who show up, and the community showed up this election,” Burnstein said. “It won’t be forgotten. Thank you all.”