At present, Macedon Ranges residents vote in two electorates, Bendigo and McEwen.

Under changes proposed by the Australian Electoral

Commission, and due to

come into effect in the next

federal election in 2013, Macedon Ranges residents would vote in a newly created electorate, Burke.

Burke has been named in honour of explorer Robert O'Hara Burke, marking the 150th anniversary of his Victorian exploring expedition across Australia.

The change was prompted by the AEC, which projected McEwen to be the electorate with the most voters by June 17, 2014.

The allocation is expected to be exceeded by 18,000 people.

As a result of the changes, the McEwen electorate will move north to take in a large portion of the Murray division.

The Casey electorate will be extended to the east and take on more rural characteristics.

At its meeting last week, the council supported the AEC changes.

South ward councillor John Letchford said the proposed change was significant for the shire.

"It's really handy because we're all in the one area again, it's very advantageous for us," he said.

When the last redistribution occurred in 2002, the council had said that splitting the shire between two electorates was "undesirable".

All objections received will be displayed at the AEC office in Melbourne and on its website.

The objections will be accepted until 6pm on September 10.

The final decision on the redistribution will be taken on December 17.