NORTH KINGSTOWN — A state count of more than 600 mail ballots had no effect on the council and school races here.

After a final tally by the state Board of Elections, Democrats remained the big winners in both races.

In the Town Council race, two Democrats – incumbent Edward J. Cooney and Steven Campo – were the top vote getters, followed by Republican incumbent Anthony F. Miccolis Jr., Democrat Edward J. Whittaker and incumbent Republican John A. Patterson.

The election reverses the GOP stronghold on the council, one the party has enjoyed for more than a decade. It’s also likely that Cooney, the top vote getter, will be named council president by the majority party.

In the School Committee race, the top three vote getters were also Democrats – April Brunelle, Larry D. Ceresi and Douglas S. Roth. Republican Kimberly Ann Page won the fourth seat, beating out incumbent independent William C. Mudge III – in fifth place – by 428 votes.

Brunelle credits the strong Democratic showing to local issues rather than a nationwide surge tied to concerns about President Bush and the war in Iraq.

A lot of parents are unhappy with the decision to pair schools, she said. “The people obviously want a change.”