What should a notary do to maintain the integrity of their journal?

To maintain the integrity of their journal, a notary should keep it secured and prevent unauthorized access. This is critical because the journal contains sensitive information, including details of notarial acts that can identify individuals and transactions. By securing the journal, the notary protects against potential tampering, unauthorized viewing, or theft of personal information.

Properly safeguarding the journal not only preserves its contents but also upholds the legal and ethical standards required of a notary public. It is essential to ensure that only authorized personnel, such as the notary themselves, have access to the journal. This practice instills public trust and maintains the privacy required by law.

Other practices, such as leaving the journal unattended in a public space or sharing it with coworkers, would compromise the privacy and security of the information contained within, ultimately undermining the notary's responsibilities and potentially violating legal requirements. Keeping the journal in a secure location reinforces the notary's commitment to their role while protecting the interests of the individuals whose information is recorded in the journal.