...(given that these contests seem to hold so much importance here!).. I propose that a person be allowed to enter her/his image immediately after uploading it, prior to acceptance by a moderator... with the knowledge that should the image be rejected by the moderator accepting/rejecting the images, the entry of the image into the contest would be null and void. In my mind that would solve the problem of having the image accepted prior to the deadline and then entered into the contest by the poster again prior to the deadline. How about it Geri?! ☺ Have you got the programming fingers warmed-up? :o)
This, I believe, would set things up so the poster knows that he/she is too late or NOT! The voting notifications could come out some 12-24 hours (or whatever) after the termination of a contest entry period to give time for the moderator during that time period to do her/his work.
If this belongs elsewhere... please advise! ☺ Edit 18/05/2012: And I have now on my own put this up as a Poll Topic in the voting booth for recommended changes here at Caedes! Easy link to it 'cause I had trouble re-locating it :o) DB->Within/Underneath FB/BS---SP ☺