Classed as a rural seat, the electorate is located in the centre of the state, north of its capital city Melbourne.

It includes the outer northern suburbs of Doreen, Mernda, and Wollert, and extends along the Hume Freeway north of the metropolitan area to include the towns of Gisborne as well as Wallan as well as many other small towns.

It was named after Sir John McEwen, leader of the Australian Country Party from 1958 to 1971, who served as caretaker Prime Minister of Australia after the disappearance of Harold Holt in 1967.

Unlike most marginal seats with similar demographics, however, McEwen is not considered a barometer for winning government.

Following the resolution of the long-running dispute, Bailey called for a total overhaul of the voting system.