Yeah, I'm beginning to suspect that someone (not myself or Nick Komodo) reported the game to itch.io. Please understand that we're not accusing the developer of anything. But, if someone reported it to itch, it is possible that they could have disqualified it. And yes, if no one reported it to Nick or myself, then there is no way of us knowing.
If the game was reported to itch.io by someone reading this message, please let us know (privately or publicly) so we can put this to bed.
As for your questions:
1. No. If the game has been DQ'd by itch.io, then votes toward the game won't count. It says on the page "not available for ratings". Sorry.
2. To my knowledge, this game is still something that the judges can play and rank, ergo it can place in the actual contest. I cannot give away what games have moved to Round 2, however.