The district was established in 1960 by the merger of Vaasa Province North and Vaasa Province South districts.

The district currently elects 16 of the 200 members of the Parliament of Finland using the open party-list proportional representation electoral system.

[6][7] Vaasa currently elects 16 of the 200 members of the Parliament of Finland using the open party-list proportional representation electoral system.

[8][9] Parties may form electoral alliances with each other to pool their votes and increase their chances of winning seats.

[10][11] However, the number of candidates nominated by an electoral alliance may not exceed the maximum number of candidates that a single party may nominate.

[13][14] (Figures in italics represent joint lists.)