Final answer:
Reading, writing, and understanding English is indeed required to be a notary. This is true for various official roles and processes, including when applying for U.S. citizenship.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that you must be able to read, write, and understand English to be a notary. Not only for notaries but also for other official processes such as citizenship application in the United States, there is a requirement to demonstrate proficiency in English. For example, during the citizenship process, applicants undergo an interview where they must prove their ability to read, write, and speak English and pass a Citizenship Test showcasing their knowledge of U.S. government and history. Similarly, in other official capacities like voting registration in historical contexts, language proficiency has been a requirement, ostensibly to prevent illiterate voters from making mistakes but often used discriminatorily, as was the case with literacy tests in Mississippi.