In the context of notarization, what should a notary never do if evidence of coercion exists?

A notary must prioritize the integrity and voluntary nature of the notarization process. If evidence of coercion is present, it indicates that the signer may not be acting of their own free will. Completing the notarization in such a scenario would violate ethical and legal obligations, as a notary's role is to ensure that the person signing the document is doing so willingly and understands the implications of the act.

By proceeding with the notarization despite the evidence of coercion, the notary could inadvertently validate a document that should not be notarized since it does not reflect the true intent of the signer. This could lead to legal repercussions for both the notary and the parties involved.

The other options suggest different responses that might be appropriate in various contexts but do not directly address the critical principle of never notarizing under coercion. Altering the document or leaving the scene lacks the fundamental duty of a notary to ensure proper attestation, and while seeking legal advice can be prudent in complex situations, it doesn't align with the immediate action needed when coercion is evident.