How votes work with out of contest deals? 

Yan/Admin, please correct them if I am wrong

If a deal is more than 24 hours old and is voted on - who earns points?
No one

Does the person who posted the deal gain points?
No

Does the person who voted gain points?
No

What is the purpose of leaving deals open to votes past the contest stage of 24 hours?
Probably to ascertain the actual popularity of the deal. It is a contest but I guess it would help to know if a deal is really that good.

Well, I'm hoping your answers are correct. I'm guessing all it does is give credits for posting more of your own deals in deal credits.

Probably to ascertain the actual popularity of the deal. It is a contest but I guess it would help to know if a deal is really that good.

Well that would make sense except even deals that have expired and are months or years old can still be voted on.

Good questions!

All the answers given by orangearrows above are accurate. Neither voter or submitter gain any points after 24 hours elapse from the time the deal leave the moderation queue. The voting stays open just because occasional visitors may want to express their opinion via a vote, and I don't see why we should restrict them (hopefully this will turn them into new members - you have to sign up to be able to vote). At least I don't see anything bad about allowing votes for older deal. Please correct me if I am wrong.

P.S. I added more details to the title so it is easier to spot later