What is the role of the Illinois Secretary of State concerning notaries?

The role of the Illinois Secretary of State concerning notaries primarily involves the appointment and regulation of notaries public. This responsibility includes overseeing the application process for becoming a notary, ensuring that individuals meet the necessary qualifications, and maintaining official records of commissioned notaries in the state. By handling these tasks, the Secretary of State ensures that notaries are operating under the law and adhering to ethical standards, which is crucial for the integrity of the notarization process.

The other options represent roles that fall outside the scope of the Secretary of State's responsibilities. For instance, determining the legality of documents is typically carried out by legal professionals or courts, not by the Secretary of State. Conducting notary examinations is not part of the function of the Secretary of State, as Illinois does not require a test to become a notary public. Representing notaries in legal matters is also not a function of the Secretary of State; individuals may need to seek their own legal representation if issues arise.