Tally room to run despite networks The Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed that the tally room will be running for the upcoming election, despite reports that commercial TV broadcasters may abandon the service. Commission spokesman Phil Diak described the $1 million service operated by the commission as a non-integral part of the "practical business of generating the results," but said it would go ahead for the September vote. "It is an expensive exercise," he said. But there's no suggestion that we would not have the tally room at this election. His comments on ABC radio follow reports that commercial TV broadcasters are planning to abandon the service for the upcoming election in a cost-cutting move expected to save services up to $500,000 each. Mr Diak said although the $1 million cost was borne by the commission, networks had to fund their own broadcast and equipment. He said the tally room would go ahead for others including radio and print services.