How were the audience members of last night's debate chosen? (If you're from the south, please read this Q especially)

I’m watching it right now on the New York Times website, and of the two questions that have been asked so far, the audience-members used the thickest, most country-sounding “talk” I’ve heard in a long time. Here’s the thing. I’m from Nashville.

What’s your take on this issue? My initial reaction was that these bumpkins were chosen specifically to sound like people think “Nashvillians” should. But I’ve only heard two of them, so maybe it’s just a coincidence.

Does anyone know how these people were actually chosen or just want to say something about the issue?