What should a notary do when they encounter a situation where their employer asks them to act improperly?

A notary has a fundamental responsibility to uphold the law and adhere to ethical standards, regardless of any external pressures or demands from an employer. When an employer requests that a notary act improperly, it is crucial for the notary to inform the employer of the potential legal consequences associated with such actions. This serves not only as a reminder to the employer about the ramifications of misconduct but also reinforces the notary's commitment to integrity in their role.

By communicating the legal outcomes that could arise from acting improperly, the notary helps to educate and potentially deter the employer from pursuing unethical practices. This proactive approach upholds the integrity of the notarial office and protects the notary from personal liability or involvement in unlawful activities.

The other options may not adequately address the responsibilities of the notary. Simply complying with the employer's request would compromise the notary's ethical obligations. Ignoring the request potentially allows unethical behavior to continue unchallenged, and discussing it with a colleague might not resolve the problem or prevent the employer from engaging in improper practices. Thus, explaining the legal consequences directly aligns with the notary's duty to act with honesty and upholding the law.