Tallied when it was important (7)

I believe the answer is:

counted

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'tallied' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for counted that I've seen before include "Determined the number" , "Enumerated" , "Opposed or contradicted as recounted" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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