Immediately following this presentation, a straw vote is taken of all participants. Each person may vote for as many topic areas as he or she chooses. Those topic areas receiving at least a one-third vote are retained for further discussion. Those areas receiving less than a one-third vote are dropped from consideration. If no more than seven areas initially receive a one-third vote, state delegates proceed immediately to selection of the five problem areas 6.
Participants then discuss and refine each area which received at least a one-third vote.
Refinements and changes are made through amendments. No vote is taken to accept or reject any problem area until all areas have been discussed. Each state delegate votes for five areas. The seven areas which receive the most votes are those retained. The five areas receiving the greatest number of votes will be placed on the ballot to be sent to the states.