Which of the following would not be considered a factor that can void an instrument?

Negotiation is not a factor that can void an instrument because it refers to the process of transferring the rights to a financial instrument (like a lease or a title) from one party to another, typically through endorsement or delivery. In this context, negotiation involves legitimate actions taken to convey an instrument's benefits or rights and does not impact the validity of the instrument itself.

In contrast, factors such as fraud, duress, and forged signatures directly undermine the integrity and legitimacy of the individual’s consent to the transaction. Fraud involves deceit that induces a party to enter into the agreement with dishonest intentions. Duress occurs when a person is forced into a contract under threat or harm, compromising their ability to give genuine consent. Forged signatures present a situation where the authenticity of a signature is falsified, which can completely invalidate the legal standing of the instrument. Each of these factors directly relates to issues of consent, intention, or authenticity, which are critical in asserting the validity of legal instruments.