What should a notary do regarding the electronic journal when it comes to alterations?

The correct response highlights the critical role of maintaining the integrity of the electronic journal that a notary is required to keep. Preventing any alterations to the content or sequence of the journal is essential for several reasons.

First, the electronic journal serves as a legal record of the notarial acts performed, and any changes or alterations could undermine its reliability and authenticity. This is particularly important in the case of legal disputes or audits, where clear and unaltered documentation is necessary to establish the legitimacy of the notarizations.

Additionally, allowing alterations could open the door to potential fraud or manipulation of records, which not only jeopardizes the notary’s credibility but could also have legal ramifications.

By ensuring that the electronic journal remains intact without unauthorized changes, a notary upholds the principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to the notarial profession.