What does the Secretary of State consider when determining the severity of an act?

The Secretary of State takes into account the history of complaints against the notary when assessing the severity of an act. This history is significant because it provides insight into the notary's past behavior and adherence to professional standards. A pattern of complaints can suggest a recurring issue, indicating a higher likelihood that the notary's actions may be part of systemic misconduct rather than isolated incidents. This context helps the Secretary of State gauge the potential impact of the notary's actions on the public and the integrity of the notarization process.

Other considerations, such as the notary's location, training, or timing of misconduct, may provide context but do not directly relate to evaluating the severity based on past behavior and patterns of compliance or non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Thus, the history of complaints is crucial for an accurate assessment.