What should a notary be able to do if questioned about a notarization they performed?

The correct choice highlights the notary's responsibility to clarify their reasoning behind accepting the identification and evidence presented during the notarization process. This encompasses the notary's ability to validate the identity of the signer based on the documents or identification provided at the time of the notarization.

A notary must ensure that the evidence of identity meets the legal requirements set forth in the state laws. If questioned, it is important that they can explain their rationale for believing that the evidence was valid, demonstrating their adherence to the standards of their role. This includes understanding the various forms of acceptable identification and ensuring that the signer's identity aligns with what is required for a valid notarization in Illinois.

While a recount of the entire signing process, showing the ID used, or recalling the exact words spoken may seem relevant, they are not as essential as being able to explain the validity of the evidence. Detailed recollections may not always be practical, and the focus should be on the notary’s compliance with procedural standards rather than on exact recounting.