Like the other 576 French constituencies, it elects one MP using a two-round electoral system.

The 3rd constituency of the Puy-de-Dôme lies in the south west of the department and includes the western and south western parts of Clermont-Ferrand.

The constituency is most notable for the fact that it was the political base of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.

Giscard d'Estaing was succeeded by his son Louis in 2002, however he was defeated by the Green candidate in 2012.

Louis made an attempt to regain the seat at the 2017 elections however he could only manage second place.